What does 'dimercaprol' treat?

It is used as an antidote for poisoning by arsenic, mercury, gold, and lead.

Why is it called 'British Anti-Lewisite' (BAL)?

It was developed in Britain during WWII as an antidote to the arsenical warfare agent lewisite.

How is dimercaprol administered?

It is typically given by deep intramuscular injection.

Are there common side effects?

Yes, they can include nausea, vomiting, headache, a burning sensation, hypertension, and tachycardia.

Is “dimercaprol” formal?

Dimercaprol is usually technical/scientific/medical in register.

How do you pronounce “dimercaprol”?

Dimercaprol: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.məˈkæp.rɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.mərˈkæp.rɔːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

dimercaprol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌdaɪ.məˈkæp.rɒl/US/ˌdaɪ.mərˈkæp.rɔːl/

Technical/Scientific/Medical

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Quick answer

What does “dimercaprol” mean?

A chelating agent used as an antidote for poisoning by arsenic, gold, mercury, and other heavy metals.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A chelating agent used as an antidote for poisoning by arsenic, gold, mercury, and other heavy metals.

A medicinal compound, originally developed during World War II, that works by binding to toxic metal ions in the bloodstream, forming stable complexes that are then excreted in urine.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage. The historical abbreviation 'BAL' (British Anti-Lewisite) is equally recognized in both varieties.

Connotations

None beyond its strict medical definition. It is a purely technical term.

Frequency

Identically low frequency, confined strictly to specialised medical and chemical contexts in both regions.

Grammar

How to Use “dimercaprol” in a Sentence

dimercaprol is used for treating Xdimercaprol is administered to Ydimercaprol chelates Z

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

administer dimercaproldimercaprol injectiondimercaprol therapy

medium

treatment with dimercaprolchelating agent dimercaprolheavy metal poisoning dimercaprol

weak

patient received dimercaproleffectiveness of dimercaprol

Usage

Meaning in Context

Academic

Used in medical and pharmacology research papers discussing heavy metal poisoning or chelation therapy.

Everyday

Virtually never used in everyday conversation.

Technical

Standard term in toxicology, emergency medicine protocols, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “dimercaprol”

Strong

antidote chelating agent

Neutral

BALBritish Anti-Lewisite

Weak

treatment therapy

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “dimercaprol”

toxin poison contaminant

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “dimercaprol”

Misspelling: dimercaporal, dimercaptrol.
Incorrect pronunciation with stress on 'mer' (/ˈdaɪmər-/).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is used as an antidote for poisoning by arsenic, mercury, gold, and lead.
: It was developed in Britain during WWII as an antidote to the arsenical warfare agent lewisite.
: It is typically given by deep intramuscular injection.
: Yes, they can include nausea, vomiting, headache, a burning sensation, hypertension, and tachycardia.
: A chelating agent used as an antidote for poisoning by arsenic, gold, mercury, and other heavy metals.
: Dimercaprol is usually technical/scientific/medical in register.
: Dimercaprol: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.məˈkæp.rɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.mərˈkæp.rɔːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'DIME' (a small coin made of metal) + 'CAPTURE' + 'OL' (like alcohol). It captures metal (dimes) in your system.

Conceptual Metaphor

A molecular 'handcuff' that locks onto toxic metal atoms.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The emergency team prepared a(n) injection for the patient with suspected heavy metal poisoning.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary mechanism of action of dimercaprol?